Tiffany Schmitt earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from a different university in 2016, and decided to come back to school after a long hiatus. Up until just last year, she’s been farm-hopping across northern California and southern Oregon. Although she went to school for psychology, she found it difficult to break into the field at her degree level, and ultimately decided to do something totally different and adventurous!

Debra Overcashier is seeking a degree in Psychology from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). She also earned an Accounting degree back in 1994, worked in banking for over 26 years, and retired from PNC. At CCAC, she is a member and Vice President of Psi Beta Honor Society and a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). She’s also the Judge of Elections for her local voting poll. Debra has been married to her husband for 16 years. Read more about her spotlight below: 

Celestial Bodies is one of the most important literary works you’ll ever read and the must-read book of the year. It is gorgeous, nuanced, and full of healing. 

It’s a story of courage, chosen family, and how love—in all aspects—can help us heal and grow. It is a testament to the humanity in our lives, the joys of love, friendship, and laughter, as well as the challenges of trauma and life-changing events. 

Leavy writes light in every corner.

If you've never learned how interesting Iowa is, now's your chance! We're so happy to share a new book by author Sara Broers, entitled 100 Things To Do In Iowa Before You Die. This fascinating book is chock full of cool things about a state you might not know much about (raises hand!). Once you dig in, you'll be amazed at how MUCH there is to do, explore, and see in this cool midwest state. 

Kaila Tench is a May 2022 graduate of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) where she earned a degree in the Dietetic Technician program and also received her Certified Dietary Manager Certificate in December 2021. She is currently employed at Allegheny General Hospital. Kaila completed her first internship at Magee Women's Hospital during the Summer semester of 2021, and recently completed her last internship at the Jewish Community Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. 

One of the best things about reading memoir is the opportunity to discover and learn from life stories. How would we act in a similar situation? What can we take away when learning from these lives? 

Such is the case with an extraordinary new memoir by author Jill Kandel (whom our wandering educators will remember from our interview with her about her book So Many Africas: Six Years in a Zambian Village).

Elena Dupaly is working on her Associate Degree in Business at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Boyce Campus. Currently, she is working on getting her online business, Mad About Jewelry, off the ground. 

Ashika Henry Richardson earned an Associate degree in Social Work Foundation from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in 2022. She is currently working as a Nursing Assistant and Leadership Assistant work study for the honors program. She’s expecting to do an internship this summer to complete her degree at CCAC. While she’s been accepted at multiple Universities in Pennsylvania, she chose California University because she felt it was a better fit for her.

If we're lucky, throughout our lives, a few books come along that will change us. Such is the case with a new book of poetry by Alexis V. Jackson.

My Sisters' Country is incredibly beautiful, evocative, and, through its phenomenological approach, teaches us much about the lived experience of black women.